"My thanks go out to everyone for their understanding and co-operation."

The joint RFL statement is reprinted in full below:

RFL AND SUPER LEAGUE JOINT STATEMENT ON SEASON SUSPENSION

The Rugby Football League and Super League Europe today announce a suspension of fixtures in the Betfred Super League season, initially until 3rd April, during which time the season’s structure and fixture rescheduling will be considered.

This follows the latest Government advice regarding social contact and mass gatherings.

The Super League clubs discussed a range of contingency plans with the RFL at their board meeting in Huddersfield, and the situation will be reviewed with broadcasters and sponsors throughout the initial suspension.

These changes will also apply across other competitions including the Championship, League 1, Betfred Women’s Super League and the community game, with the RFL to have further discussions of the implications at meetings of Championship and League 1 clubs and community board over the next couple of days.

Joint statement from Robert Elstone, the Executive Chairman of Super League Europe, and Ralph Rimmer, CEO of Rugby Football League:

“These are unprecedented times, and they present significant financial and commercial implications for Rugby League, which will be further considered during the period of suspension.

“Super League is also an international competition, and consideration has to be given to our clubs in Canada and France, particularly around travel restrictions and scheduling fixtures.

“Player welfare and maintaining the integrity of the competition are key concerns moving forward. Equally our responsibilities to Rugby League communities remain front of mind for all of us.

“The whole country is facing major challenges – and the support of our fans, partners and stakeholders is needed now more than ever before.”

Also printed here is the statement received from NW Counties Junior & Youth RL.

JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE NORTH WEST COUNTIES JUNIOR & YOUTH ARL

COVID-19 (Corona Virus) Update

To All Member Clubs & Personnel

As per the UK Government advice and the RFL statement which followed on 16th Match, the NWC management teams have taken the joint decision to SUSPEND ALL Fixtures across ALL Age groups with Immediate effect.

Initially, the suspension will take effect until the weekend of 18/19th April 2020.

However, the length of the suspension could be longer than the date above and will be based on further advice from the UK Government and our National Governing Body, the RFL. The dates above are longer than the RFL statement says but we have chosen to include the Easter School Holiday times within our suspension period.

The Leagues will, during this time, make a full review of their schedules and any contingency plans which were drawn up in case of this course of action being taken. Should the League program(s) need to be changed any way when suspension is lifted then we will communicate this to all clubs and their teams in good time.

These are unprecedented times that we are going through now, and we do understand that any course of action will not please everyone. However, our decision is taken for the best interests of the NWC and all its members. Please take good care and we hope we will all be back on the Rugby field sooner rather than later.